The crowds are packing in, International Speedway was a cluster this morning. We are currently getting ready to head back down to the track for the Gatorade Duals. This has always been one of our favorite races, but this year is going to be a nail biter. There are a lot of great teams that deserve to be in the show that have to race their way in today. We will know at the end of the day who is in the 51st running of the Daytona 500. Look for updates throughout the day as we will be blogging from the track. If you aren't already following us on twitter, click here for the link.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Happy Dual Day!
The crowds are packing in, International Speedway was a cluster this morning. We are currently getting ready to head back down to the track for the Gatorade Duals. This has always been one of our favorite races, but this year is going to be a nail biter. There are a lot of great teams that deserve to be in the show that have to race their way in today. We will know at the end of the day who is in the 51st running of the Daytona 500. Look for updates throughout the day as we will be blogging from the track. If you aren't already following us on twitter, click here for the link.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Joe Nemechek checks in on tomorrow's Gatorade Duals
"Well, there's a lot of unknowns," Nemechek said. "I'd much
rather be
locked-in the show in one of those top-three qualifying spots --
but
unfortunately we're not there, so you've got to deal with what you
have."
I adore Joe and admire all has given a lot to this sport. I wish him the best of luck tomorrow in qualifying...just hope his comments (which are usually taken out of context) doesn't have the karma fairy chasing him. Some of the "unknowns" racing against him tomorrow is a Rookie of the Year and several have Daytona 500 winning crew chiefs at their helm. Don't forget that I am fairly new to the sport, and if I can take a manicured finger down the list with recognition on almost all (who IS Carl Long?, googling now...) its looks like the word "unknown" might not have been the best choice. Anyone have a rabbit foot?
Lineup in the Gatorade Duals Race 1 and Race 2
One of the best Martin Truex Jr. Interviews....ever.
Paige Premium Denim offers free movie tickets to Confessions of a Shopaholic

3rd Annual Toyota Skinner Round Up fo Charity

Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Martin Truex Jr. Daytona 500 pole winner
Needless to say we couldn't have been happier with another outcome! Congrats to Martin, Bono and all the Bass Pro Boys. Nascar Scene Daily did a great article on them, click here to read it. Can't wait until Sunday!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Ryan Newman wins Modified at New Smyrna!
That's a 2fer for Bono and his crew!!! Congratulations boys!!!
Here is a video from NASCAR.com’s Beyond Pit Row where they are featuring Ryan at New Smyrna. We found this on ryannewmaninfo.info.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Todays Qualifying order.
Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying order at Daytona Intenational Speedway:
Top 35
1. Jeff Gordon, 2. Kasey Kahne 3. David Stremme, 4. Bobby Labonte, 5. Kurt Busch, 6. Brian Vickers, 7. John Andretti, 8. Mark Martin, 9. Jimmie Johnson, 10. Robby Gordon, 11. Juan Pablo Montoya, 12. Kevin Harvick, 13. Aric Almirola, 14. Greg Biffle, 15. Scott Speed, 16. Reed Sorenson,17. Carl Edwards, 18. CaseyMears, 19. Michael Waltrip, 20. David Reutimann, 21. Jeff Burton, 22. Paul Menard, 23. Ryan Newman, 24. Jamie McMurray, 25. David Ragan, 26. Elliott Sadler, 27. Sam Hornish Jr., 28. Martin Truex Jr., 29. Martin Ambrose, 30. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 31. Denny Hamlin, 32. Matt Kenseth, 33. Joey Logano, 34. Clint Bowyer, 35. Kyle Busch
Go or go home cars
36. Brad Keselowski, 37. Jeremy Mayfield, 38. Mike Garvey, 39. Kirk Shelmerdine, 40. Mike Skinner, 41. Travis Kvapil, 42. Mike Wallace, 43. Tony Stewart, 44. Bill Elliott, 45. Geoff Bodine, 46. Kelly Bires, 47. Terry Labonte, 48. Boris Said, 49. Derrike Cope, 50. Regan Smith, 51. Joe Nemechek, 52. AJ Allmendinger, 53. Norm Benning, 54. Tony Raines, 55. Carl Long, 56. Scott Riggs
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Partner for Paws Spectacular
Feb 11th, join the NASCAR Foundation for Partner for Paws Spectacular Live and Silent Auction hosted by Greg Biffle and Ryan Newman. This warms my heart and it will be a great chance to get NASCAR memorbilla for a good cause. Click here for ticket information and the listing of silent and live auction items. Proceeds raised from the evening will benefit the Greg Biffle Foundation, Ryan Newman Foundation and Halifax Humane Society of Daytona Beach, three organizations that support improving animal welfare. Upon researching for this article I found a great blog that put a lot of energy compiting a NASCAR pet list from a few years ago.It is always great to take a second and blog about the drivers like Ryan and Greg that gives back. Over the course of this race season we will feature some of these foundations and all the good that they do.
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Draw Party
I wonder if Jimmie Johnson and Elliot Sadler changed identities. The usually well groomed Jimmie came with his beard still intact....and Elliot was clean looking like a pretty boy!
Kyle Busch played nice with the crowd by throwing bags of M&Ms at the fans. I guess the "most hated driver" in Nascar is trying to make a few friends. Watching M&Ms being thrown is slightly different than last year when I watched multiple drivers take "target practice" with their selection flags, Darlynn's chest being the bulls eye.Tomorrow nights race is going to be different and the lineup has a lot to do with it. I have been complaining since they changed the format. We have 2 rookie of the year contenders running in the Shootout, a driver that didn't race in the Cup Series last year and a few other drivers that do not deserve to be in this race. Meanwhile, last years Daytona 500 winner is not in the race, along with a driver that chased for the cup and a few other guys that in my eyes should be in the Shootout. Regardless, I am excited that we will be at a race tomorrow night.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Parking for a good cause
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Our Daytona Beach dining guide.
This is where we are coming to the rescue. Daytona is full of hidden surprises when it comes to eating out. We put a little list together of our favorite eats and drinks in town. I must say, of everything on this list, you must go to the Brickyard and get a cheeseburger; it is a Daytona legend. Please trust me on this. We kept the list pretty local so driving wouldn't be an issue. If you do get a wild hair and want to travel about 30 min North, you must check out Snack Jacks in Flagler Beach.
So, here is our dining guide. I would love to know if anyone takes our advice and what they think of our suggestions! If you have problems viewing it in full size, there should be an area to zoom, if not shoot us an email and we will send it to you.
Get your Sharpies ready....driver appearances during Speedweek!
If anyone has any other driver appearances they would like to add, shoot us an email and I will gladly post it to the list.
Driver Appearances at the track
FEB. 5: Kasey Kahne on the Speed Stage, 7:30 pm.
FEB. 7: Brian Vickers will be making an appearance at the Red Bull merchandise hauler trackside. Check hauler for time.
FEB. 7: Kasey Kahne at the Budweiser Shootout Front-Stretch Pre-Party before the drop of the green flag at 5:15 (tentative) for a Q&A Session.
FEB. 8: Clint Bowyer will appear at the Jack Daniel's Experience (located outside of turn 4) from 11 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Autographs are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
FEB. 11: Martin Truex Jr. and veteran pro angler Roland Martin will be at the Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats merchandise hauler trackside from 3:45 - 4:30.
FEB. 15: Brian Vickers will be making an appearance at the Red Bull merchandise hauler trackside at Daytona International Speedway. Check hauler for time.
Driver Appearances at the Volusia Mall (across from the speedway)
FEB. 10: Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish, David Reutimann, Marcos Ambrose, Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday are scheduled to appear for the live broadcast of PRN's Daytona Beach Fast Talk Radio in the Volusia Mall at 6:00pm. For more information visit the Performance Racing Network website.
FEB. 10: Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson & Tony Stewart are scheduled to appear for the live broadcast of PRN's Daytona Beach Fast Talk Radio in the Volusia Mall at 6:00pm. For more information visit the Performance Racing Network website.
FEB. 12: Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Greg Biffle and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are scheduled to appear for the live broadcast of PRN's Daytona Beach Fast Talk Radio in the Volusia Mall at 6:00pm. For more information visit the Performance Racing Network website.
FEB. 12: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be at an Adidas meet-and-greet at Champs Sports. The first 88 fans to make a $150 Adidas purchase, including one Dale Jr. item between February 6-11 will receive an 'Adidas Hot Pass' to meet Jr. at the store on Thursday, Feb. 12. Each of the 88 fans also will have their photo taken with Dale and will receive a collectible picture frame.
Other Driver Appearances throughout Daytona
FEB. 6: Kasey Kahne with special guest, Dierks Bentley at the “Off the Track. Off the Record” One Night Stand event located at the Coliseum in Daytona Beach, presented by Budweiser. You can can obtain the tickets to the event via radio and/or retail promotions in and around the Daytona Beach area.
FEB. 10: Tony Stewart at the Office Depot on 560 South Nova Road (at Belville Road), Daytona Beach from 5-7 p.m. Tony will be signing autographs. Wristbands will be required and distributed to the first 600 customers beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of the event.
FEB. 10: David Ragan will be signing autographs at Discount Tire at 1051 Beville Road Daytona Beach from 4-6 p.m.
FEB. 11: Joe Logano Joey will be signing autographs at the Home Depot at 1551 Dunlawton Blvd., Port Orange. from 5-7 p.m.
FEB. 14: Ryan Newman will be signing Pet Road Pets book at the Meaty Bone Experience tent at Speedway Village at the Daytona Beach Flea and Farmer's Market at 1:45 p.m.
Drivers scheduled to race at local tracks during Race week
FEB. 6-14: Kraig Kinser will race the No. 20 Bass Pro Shops/Chevy/JD Byrider Maxim in the Tony Stewart's World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL. For more details, contact Volusia Speedway Park at (386) 985-4402 or visit the official Web site of VSP.
FEB. 9-10: Ryan Newman is scheduled to participate in the NASCAR Modified Series race at New Smyrna Speedway located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida on Monday & Tuesday, February 9 & 10, 2009. Newman is scheduled to drive the #7NY Aggressive Hydraulics Chevrolet. For ticket information and start times please call 386-427-4129 or visit the New Smyrna Speedway website.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
NASCAR drivers weigh in for Superbowl
Sprint Cup rookie Scott Speed based his rooting interest on his only experience watching a live NFL game. “I went to my first NFL game a couple weeks ago when the Panthers played the Cardinals in the playoffs," Speed said. "The Panthers lost really badly because the Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald caught everything that got thrown in the sky! I’m pulling for the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl, for sure. Fitzgerald is the man -- he has sticky fingers. I don’t like the Steelers, not for any particular reason, I just don’t like them. I think they’re bullies! On Sunday, I’m going to have some friends over to my house to watch the game, so I hope my team can pull off the win!”
Kyle Busch and Micheal Waltrip have a special place in their heart for Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, above. "I’m kind of friends with Kurt Warner, so I would really like to see him win," Busch said. "I got to spend some time with him at a Super Bowl party last year in Phoenix when M&M’s had me out there. Kurt came around the room and we talked a little bit, so it would be great to see him do well and the Cardinals win.”Said Waltrip: “All of my friends are Pittsburgh Steelers fans, so I hope the (Arizona) Cardinals win. Plus, I love Kurt Warner because he’s old like me -- really not quite like me."
Young Joey Logano apparently didn't grow up in a NFL-crazy house. But he still has a rooting interest in Sunday's game. "I have to admit, I’m not a huge football fan -- I did follow the Redskins a little when Coach Gibbs was there," Logano said. "It’s tough when you race during most of the football season. Every year we do get family and friends together to watch it though. This year I’m pulling for Pittsburgh, they are closer to where I grew up. And anyway, I have a 50-50 chance of being right.”
Camping World Truck Series champion and Michigan native Johnny Benson knows his football and he likes the Steelers' chances. “I like Pittsburgh. Their defense is awesome," Benson said. "Ben Roethlisberger is cool under pressure and does a really good job. I think the Cardinals are a good team, too, but I just think the Steelers have the upper hand. Pittsburgh made it this far because they're a really good team and their coach does a good job. I'm even trying to get tickets so I can go to the game.”
But Marcos Ambrose, a native of Tasmania (an island state that is part of Australia), had the best reason to root for the Cardinals. “I have to go for the Cardinals because of Ben Graham (right), their punter. He’s Australian,” he said.
Oh! This is just too good not to blog about! First off, the person that okayed this to go out to the general public should be fired immediately for actually releasing this piece of crap! At the very least they could have taken out the quotes that are so ridiculous my eyes are burning from reading it! I have a four year old nephew that could have penned more poetic with his crayons!
Kryle are you kidding me? A grown man making a football prediction over a couple of shared m and m's? Remind me not to give you my money to go to Vegas for fear you will make your bets based on the bus boy's tips from the Craving Buffet at the Mirage.
Very disapointed at Joey Lagano's PR people. Why are you letting this child talk about anything but the new season lineup on the Disney channel? This is the second interview I have read today and am shaking my head with amazment that he actually has "people". You have a 50/50 chance of being right? Really? Also, it must be very difficult to follow any teams without the invention of that dvr or help from the that little information superway called the internet? I cant even imagine what a conflict all those races on Monday night must cause!! Oh, my little pony please save your remarks for stuff you can actually relate to!
I also have a feeling that oh my hottie hotterton Marcus Ambrose probably said something a little more substantial in his quote than they gave him credit for. Lastly, perhaps Toyota could possibly spell Waltrip's first name correctly? I dont want to get too picky here...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports to be featured in Nationwide Insurance 2009 marketing campaign
Charlotte, NC — Nationwide Insurance announced today at NASCAR Nationwide Series media day that NASCAR racing superstar, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his company JR Motorsports will be featured in a new marketing campaign that will begin in February.
The company also introduced other activities related to the sponsorship, including the Nationwide Insurance Dash 4 Cash, which involves an increased winner's purse at four NASCAR Nationwide Series races, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series ESPN 'Driver Pick Em' game presented by Nationwide Insurance, a weekly interactive competition for cash prizes that will be available on ESPN.com
The campaign is a departure from previous Nationwide ads featuring celebrities. Despite the obvious opportunity for a racing pun, the ad does not include the company's famous Life Comes at You Fast line and is not intended to be humorous. It's framed as a customer testimonial, and true story from a family with one of the richest traditions in NASCAR.
An interactive site with more information on this can be found here
As a marketer, I love Nationwide campaigns! Geico freaks me out and tries too hard. Allstate really had this NASCAR area covered with their funny Kasey Kahne commercials . Initially, I thought that Nationwide really has their work cut out for them but this can be easily achieved with Dale Jr. You haters can say what you want but there really isnt a better face for sponsorship than him. Fame, talent and hot as haiti-ness aside, Dale has the persona that is a sponsors dream. His likeability and trustworthy manner dominates not only the strong obvious support of the Junior nation but will more than likely brand Nationwide to um Nationwide numbers. Must make mention of this silent battle of advertising swop a roo with Kasey and Junebug....first Budweiser now competing insurance agencies? hmmm....
Back in the good ole days......
Friday, January 30, 2009
Scott Speed is engaged
Congrats to you both!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2009 NASCAR Entertainment & Fanzone schedule for Daytona
It's hard to believe that we are 1 week away from the start of it all!!
Thursday , February 5, 2009:
12pm Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
12pm Inspection for Bud Shootout Cars Sprint - FANZONE
7pm Budweiser Draw Party Speed Stage Outside Turn 4 Tunnel
Friday, February 6, 2009:
10am Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
10am Inspection for DAYTONA 500 Cars Sprint - FANZONE
Saturday, February 7, 2009:
10am Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
10am Inspection Station Activity Sprint - FANZONE
10am-7pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Sprint - FANZONE
10am-8:10pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Sprint - FANZONE
12pm-5pm DJ RERUN Main Stage
12:30pm-1:30pm ARCA Series Autograph Session Blue Garage
1pm Daytona 500 Pace Car Unveiling Sprint - FANZONE
(4:15pm ARCA Green Flag Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200)
(8:10pm Sprint Cup Green Flag Budweiser Shootout)
Post-Race Concert: Dierks Bentley Main Stage
Sunday, February 8, 2009:
12pm Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
12pm Inspection Station Activity Sprint - FANZONE
12pm-4pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Sprint - FANZONE
12-4pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Goodyear Legends
12pm-4pm DJ RERUN Main Stage
Wednesday, February 11, 2009:
10am Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
10am-5:30pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Sprint - FANZONE
10am-6pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Sprint - FANZONE
Thursday, February 12, 2009:
9am Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
9am Inspection Station Activity Sprint - FANZONE
9am-11am DJ RERUN Main Stage
9am-1pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Sprint - FANZONE
9am-2pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Goodyear Legends
9:30am &10:30am Show Car Tech Talks Sprint Display
11:15am – 1pm Live Band: Dueling Pianos Main Stage
(2:00pm Sprint Cup Green Flag Gatorade Duel)
Friday, February 13, 2009:
1pm Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
1pm Inspection Station Activity Sprint - FANZONE
1pm-7pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Sprint - FANZONE
1pm-8pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Goodyear Legends
1pm-3:30pm DJ RERUN Main Stage
3pm Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
3:30pm-3:45pm Appearance: Jamie McMurray Crown Royal Display
4pm-7pm Live Band: The Trans Ams Main Stage
5pm-5:30pm Joe Gibbs Main Stage
5pm-5:45pm NCWTS Autograph Session Sprint - FANZONE
5:30pm-7:00pm DJ RERUN Main Stage
6:15pm Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
(8:00pm Truck Series Green Flag Nextera Energey Resources 250)
Saturday, February 14, 2009:
9am Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
9am Inspection Station Activity Sprint - FANZONE
9am-1pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Goodyear Legends
9am-1pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Spring - FANZONE
9:30am Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
9:45am-10:15am Hellman’s Fan of the Year Announcement: Main Stage Dale Jr., Mark Martin, Brad Keslowski
10am-10:20am Driver Appearance: Tony Stewart Main Stage
10:30am Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
11:30-1pm Live Band Main Stage
(2pm Nationwide Series Green Flag Camping World 300)
Sunday, February 15, 2009:
8am Sprint FANZONE Opens to Public
8am Inspection Station Activity Sprint - FANZONE
8am-10:00am DJ RERUN Main Stage
8am-2:30pm Rock Wall & Power Jump Sprint - FANZONE
8am-3:30pm Live Mural Experience: David Arrigo Goodyear Legends
9am Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
10am-1pm Live Band: Orange Avenue Main Stage
1pm-2pm DJ RERUN Main Stage
1pm Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
1:00pm Harley J. Earl Daytona 500 Trophy Procession Sprint - FANZONE
2pm Show Car Tech Talk Sprint Display
(3:30pm Sprint Cup Green Flag Daytona 500)
7:30pm-11:30pm Daytona 500 After Party – Mister DJ DAYTONA 500 EXPERIENCE
Monday, January 26, 2009
Speedweeks 2009
With so much going on both on and off the track during Speedweeks, I thought it would be helpful for all to post the 2009 Daytona schedule, that I graciously pulled from the DIS website. We will post an off track event schedule as soon as we can put one together!Thursday February 5th
12:00 pm-5:00 pm ARCA Practice
7:00pm Budweiser Shootout Draw Party
Friday February 6th
12:00pm ARCA Qualifying
4:15pm-5:00pm Budweiser Shootout Practice
5:10pm-6:15pm ARCA final practice
6:30pm-7:30pm Final Budweiser Shootout Practice
Saturday February 7th
10:30am-12:30pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice
1:30pm-3:00pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice
3:30 ARCA Driver Introductions
4:15pm: ARCA Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 (80 laps, 175 miles)
7:50pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver Introductions for Budweiser Shootout
8:10pm: Budweiser Shootout (70 laps, 175 miles)
Sunday February 8th
1:10pm Daytona 500 Qualifying
Wednesday February 11th
11:00am-11:55am: NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice
12:00pm-1:50pm Camping World Truck Series Practice
2:00pm-2:50pm Final NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice for Gatorade Duals
3:00pm-4:50pm Nationwide Series Practice
5:00pm-5:50pm Camping World Truck Series Practice
Thursday February 12th
9:30am-10:50am Final Nationwide Series Practice
11:15am-1:20pm Camping World Truck Series Practice
1:40pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver Introductions for Gatorade Duals
2:00pm Gatorade Duals race #1 (60 laps, 150 miles)
3:30pm Gatorade Duals race #2 (60 laps, 150 miles)
6:10pm Camping World Truck Series Qualifying
Friday February 13th
1:40pm-2:40pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice
3:10pm Nationwide Series Qualifying
7:30pm Camping World Truck Series Driver Introductions
8:00pm Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 (100 laps, 250 miles)
Saturday February 14th (Happy Valentines Day!)
11:00am-12:30pm Final NASCAR Sprint Cup Practice for Daytona 500
12:45pm Driver Introductions for Nationwide Camping World 300
1:15pm Nationwide Camping World 300 (120 laps, 300 miles)
Sunday February 15th
2:30pm NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver Introductions for the Daytona 500
3:30pm Daytona 500 (200 laps, 500 miles)



